The Texans are continuing to clean up their roster on the eve of the free agency tampering period. Both his agent Mike McCartney and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero are reporting that the Texans are re-signing veteran DT Naquan Jones to a one-year, $2 million deal, with a max of $2.5 million:
Jones,
28, was claimed off of waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers by the Texans in December of the 2025 season, shortly after veteran DTs Tim Settle and Mario Edwards suffered season-ending injuries. He would make his debut in Houston against the Arizona Cardinals in week 15, and would log snaps in every game until the team’s divisional round exit. In those 6 games, Jones tallied:
- 6 Games (0 Starts)
- 6 Tackles
- 1 QB Hit
- 36.4 PFF Grade (36.7 RDEF, 35.4 TACK, 58.1 PRSH, 61.3 COV)
You’d have to admit they’re not spectacular numbers, but Naquan Jones was a bit more than his statistics make him out to be. As a rotational defensive lineman, Jones was an effective disrupter and a veteran presence for the Texans when they needed it. Of course, the Texans also greatly benefited from DT Tommy Togiai’s miraculous emergence in the final two months of the season, but Naquan Jones was good enough to earn and second contract. Houston is likely to move on from other veteran lineman Mario Edwards, but Tim Settle’s impending free agency makes this signing a little more awkward. Settle was a valuable centerpiece for the defensive line before his injury, and this signing may get in the way of his return to Houston.
Houston marks Jones’ fourth team since he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signee by the Tennessee Titans in 2021. In his 60 appearances for the Titans, Cardinals, Chargers, and Texans, Jones has had 8 starts, 102 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits. He had some deadly runs as a rotational tackle for the Cardinals in 2024, and maybe the Texans believe he can reach those highs once again while being flanked by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Hunter recently agreed to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension with the Texans, making this Houston’s second signing on the defensive line this offseason. What spot is next? Maybe…the offensive line? One can only hope!
What do you think of this signing? Is general manager Nick Caserio right to trust Naquan Jones as a depth piece for the line, or are there better options elsewhere? Let us know down in the comments below!
GO TEXANS!!!
